Upon the request from Karna, King Duryodhana went to the ruler of the Madras and spoke as follows,
"O foremost of rulers, I have come to solicit your help. To assist Karna in slaying Arjuna, I request you to become the chariot driver of Karna and guide him to victory. O great warrior, you are equal to Vasudeva as a warrior. Just as the Divine Krishna protects Arjuna, so you must protect Karna. The Pandavas have slain my soldiers in great numbers, and my army is at the point of annihilation. Karna desires to challenge Arjuna to combat, but he needs someone who is equal to Krishna as a charioteer. If you, who are greater than Krishna, take the reins of Karna's chariot, then victory will go to Karna. With the death of Arjuna, the whole Pandava army will be destroyed easily. O invincible monarch, if you combine with the son of Radha, I am sure that the demigods united will not be able to harm you. I am now taking shelter of you as the demigods take shelter of Lord Vishnu. Please assist the Suta's son, and help me gain complete sovereignty of this earth."
"O son of Gandhari," Salya replied, "you are insulting me by asking me to drive the chariot of someone who you think is superior to me. I do not consider the son of Radha to be my equal. Just behold these two massive arms which are a strong as thunderbolts. Also, behold my bow by which I can conquer all men on the field of battle. Behold my chariot and horses which can travel at the speed of wind. Do you not see my mace covered in gold? With this weapon I can split the earth or shatter mountains to pieces. The Supreme Being created the kshatriyas from His arms, and the sutas have been created from the castes that are servants of the shudras. Karna comes from such a caste, and therefore, why should he not drive my chariot? I have undergone the ceremonies befitting a king. I deserve the praises and worship that is due to a king. I will, therefore, never fight in such humiliating circumstances. I ask your permission to return to my kingdom."
Having spoken his heart, Salya, a lion among men, endeavored to leave the assembly of kings.
However, Duryodhana caught him and affectionately spoke to him again, "Without doubt, Salya, what you have said is true. Karna is not superior to you, nor am I trying to humiliate you in an assembly of warriors. I have a certain purpose in mind. Karna is superior to Arjuna in the use of weapons, and you are superior to Krishna in caring for horses. It is known that Vasudeva is the foremost of warriors, yet still He is driving the chariot of Arjuna. You are twice superior to Krishna and a mighty adhiratha. There is no doubt about this. There is not the slightest humiliation in driving Karna's chariot. There is only glory for you and victory."
"Since you have described me as being superior to Krishna," Salya replied, "I am pleased with you. I will take the reigns of Karna's chariot under the condition that he must tolerate whatever I say."
Agreeing with Salya's conditions, Karna then set his heart on battle. He ascended his chariot along with Salya, and all present praised those two bulls among men.
"O foremost of rulers, I have come to solicit your help. To assist Karna in slaying Arjuna, I request you to become the chariot driver of Karna and guide him to victory. O great warrior, you are equal to Vasudeva as a warrior. Just as the Divine Krishna protects Arjuna, so you must protect Karna. The Pandavas have slain my soldiers in great numbers, and my army is at the point of annihilation. Karna desires to challenge Arjuna to combat, but he needs someone who is equal to Krishna as a charioteer. If you, who are greater than Krishna, take the reins of Karna's chariot, then victory will go to Karna. With the death of Arjuna, the whole Pandava army will be destroyed easily. O invincible monarch, if you combine with the son of Radha, I am sure that the demigods united will not be able to harm you. I am now taking shelter of you as the demigods take shelter of Lord Vishnu. Please assist the Suta's son, and help me gain complete sovereignty of this earth."
"O son of Gandhari," Salya replied, "you are insulting me by asking me to drive the chariot of someone who you think is superior to me. I do not consider the son of Radha to be my equal. Just behold these two massive arms which are a strong as thunderbolts. Also, behold my bow by which I can conquer all men on the field of battle. Behold my chariot and horses which can travel at the speed of wind. Do you not see my mace covered in gold? With this weapon I can split the earth or shatter mountains to pieces. The Supreme Being created the kshatriyas from His arms, and the sutas have been created from the castes that are servants of the shudras. Karna comes from such a caste, and therefore, why should he not drive my chariot? I have undergone the ceremonies befitting a king. I deserve the praises and worship that is due to a king. I will, therefore, never fight in such humiliating circumstances. I ask your permission to return to my kingdom."
Having spoken his heart, Salya, a lion among men, endeavored to leave the assembly of kings.
However, Duryodhana caught him and affectionately spoke to him again, "Without doubt, Salya, what you have said is true. Karna is not superior to you, nor am I trying to humiliate you in an assembly of warriors. I have a certain purpose in mind. Karna is superior to Arjuna in the use of weapons, and you are superior to Krishna in caring for horses. It is known that Vasudeva is the foremost of warriors, yet still He is driving the chariot of Arjuna. You are twice superior to Krishna and a mighty adhiratha. There is no doubt about this. There is not the slightest humiliation in driving Karna's chariot. There is only glory for you and victory."
"Since you have described me as being superior to Krishna," Salya replied, "I am pleased with you. I will take the reigns of Karna's chariot under the condition that he must tolerate whatever I say."
Agreeing with Salya's conditions, Karna then set his heart on battle. He ascended his chariot along with Salya, and all present praised those two bulls among men.